Fred Done, eccentric Chairman of Britain’s biggest independent bookmakers, BetFred, has challenged all comers to take him up on what he believes is the world’s biggest bet. Sick of idle speculation that Chelsea will fare better than his beloved Manchester United this season, he has decided to stake £1 million that they won’t.

Manchester born Done, says that anyone is welcome to take him up on the wager and that if he wins and Man U finish higher in the Premiership than Chelsea, he will give the money to charity.

He said: “My money is safe. I’m sure United will finish higher than Chelsea. I don’t care who it is who takes me on, whether it’s someone from Knightsbridge, Hong Kong or anywhere really.

“All I’m bothered about is that they have got the money in the bank and are good payers.”

Steve Jones, operations manager of Betfred, told the Scotsman newspaper: “It’s a £1 million single bet between Fred and another individual. He’s tired of people saying Chelsea are going to win. He’s putting his money where his mouth is.”